AC Milan will be looking to put behind them their disastrous weekend outing when they host Juventus at the San Siro tonight in the Coppa Italia first leg semi-final. With Juventus also having settled for a similar barren draw with Siena in the weekend, the match will definitely be an explosive one.
The good news for Milan is that striker Ibrahimovic will be available for the match with his ban only affecting his Serie A appearances. The bad news is that Allegri will be without Antonio Cassano, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alberto Aquilani, Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Merkel and Gennaro Gattuso. So we could see players Lopes and Bonera starting for Milan.
Juventus on the other side have a near full strength although coach Alberto Conte is said to be considering starting his three most recent signings Marco Borriello, Simone Padoin and Martin Caceres.
Of course, the bookies are tipping Juventus to walk away with the victory, however, Milan can never really be put off. Here is how both team have faired in the last 5 matches.
Milan have won 3 of their matches, drawing once and losing one as well. Juventus on the other side have won 3 and drawn 2 so there is nothing really separating the two sides from each other.
That said, it will be interestiing to see the reaction Pirlo gets when he returns to the San Siro. Milan’s former iconic midfielder has carved a niche for himself in coach Alberto Conte’s side as their trusty play maker after having held the same role for Milan for 10 years.
It is always interesting to predict the outcome of such matches and i will not hesitate to make mine. I will have to go for a 1-1 draw.Milan are not a full strength squad, however, they are playing at home and they do not want to embarrass their fans.
However, should the match end that way, Juve will have a greater advantage heading into into the final leg in their home stadium. So Milan have to win at all costs, something which won’t be easy. That was my pick, whats your’s?
Photo Credit © Sang Juventino
